Joel Johanson

Memorial Services for Joel Johanson, age 49 of Branson, Missouri, will be held on Friday, July 25th at 4:00 PM at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton. Interment will be at the Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton. Joel died April 30, 2008 at his home in Branson. Joel was born September 30, 1958 in Rockford, Illinois. He grew up in that area and attended Capital University in Columbus and was member of the Lutheran faith. He developed a musical talent at an early age and became a professional musican. His instrument of choice was the saxophone. He played with Guy Lombardo Band, Bobby Vinton Show, Ray Stevens Show, and had been employed with the Magnificant Seven Variety Show at the White House Theater in Branson as a musician. He also played for Ronald Reagans Inaugural Ball. Joel was an avid collector of toys and amassed a huge collection of memorabilia. Joel is the son of Verne (Joyce) Johanson of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of Wheaton. He is survived by 1 sister, Kristine (C. Raymond) Swisher of Bellefontaine, Ohio and 1 brother: Steve of Flagstaff, Arizona, a nephew, Joel Swisher of Bellefontaine, Ohio. He is also survived by 3 uncles of Wheaton, Don and Yvonne Johanson, Owen Johanson, and Gary and Donna Johanson, and one aunt, Betty Lehman of Sun City, several cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eunice (Erickson) Johanson.